To pick the best fabric to reupholster chairs, you’ll need to consider not only the look you want, but also the durability of your fabric and how you use your room.
I love reupholstering chairs as an easy project that completely renews my space. I can add a new accent color or add texture to a room by swapping out the chair upholstery, and it usually only takes me an afternoon.
But in order for the project to go well, you have to know what kind of fabric to choose. And there’s no one correct answer, it all depends on your space and your needs!
So I compiled this guide to my favorite fabrics for reupholstering chairs, and help you choose the best fabric for your chairs depending on the room and how you’ll be using them.
Let’s jump in!
Key Takeaway: The best fabric to reupholster chairs will vary from room to room. Look for durable fabrics that don’t require too much maintenance in high traffic areas, like synthetic micro-fibers. Linens can be great for more formal spaces.
What to look for in upholstery fabric for chairs
There are three main factors to consider when choosing your upholstery fabric for chairs.
- Durability – Look for a densely woven material. A densely woven fabric will better stand the test of time and use. For non-leather, non-microfiber materials, look for a higher thread count to indicate the fabric is densely woven.
- Color and Pattern – You will want to look for colors and patterns that will coordinate with the overall décor of the space and will not be outdated in a short period of time.
- Texture – Textures can add visual interest. Also be sure to look for comfortable textures. You will be sitting on the fabric, after all!
(Read: Upholstery Fabric Trends)
The best types of upholstery fabrics for chairs
While there are a wide variety of possible fabrics for upholstering chairs, in my opinion, these are some of the best choices:
Synthetic micro-fiber
A synthetic micro-fiber has a big advantage in durability, ease of maintenance and stain resistance. This makes it kid friendly as well as pet friendly. Choose this for high traffic areas such as kitchens and family rooms. Bonus: it’s also budget friendly!
Linen
If you value natural materials and a luxurious feel, linen can be a great choice.
Linen is a natural material made from the flax plant. It is very durable and will last for many years with regular maintenance such as vacuuming.
Linen is generally considered a low-maintentance fabric. It’s easy to clean, wash, or vacuum. Stains can be removed with simple materials like baking soda and white vinegar. (For more info, check out this guide on how to care for linen.)
Linen is a great choice for hot climates because it’s cool and breathable. On the other hand, linen can be a bit more expensive than synthetic materials.
Leather
Leather is very durable, and easy to clean. It fits with a variety of décor styles and can be a great choice for high traffic areas. Leather can be more expensive than synthetics or linen.
Wool
If you’re thinking of itchy sweaters and cringing, don’t worry! Most wool upholstery fabric is blended with synthetic fabrics for durability, sturdiness, and comfort.
Wool requires a moderate amount of maintenance. The primary maintenance for wool is regular vacuuming to reduce dust. Wool should be dry cleaned.
A good tip to reduce wool maintenance is to treat the fabric for stain and moisture resistance. I like this upholstery fabric protector.
Do Certain Fabrics work better in different rooms?
Besides just looks and comfort, you’ll want to consider the purpose of your room when choosing an upholstery fabric.
Synthetic micro-fibers are a great choice for the kitchen or family room. This is because of their durability, stain resistance and ease of cleaning. In these high traffic, high-mess areas you want a durable fabric that’s easy to clean!
For more formal spaces such as living rooms, formal dining, and master suites, linen is a good selection because it helps provide a more sophisticated and comfortable look.
I love to use leather and wool fabrics in spaces such as libraries and offices, due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Plus, they give a sophisticated but comfortable feel to these rooms!
The Big Picture
You can choose from a wide variety of fabric to reupholster your chairs. But the best fabric for your chairs will be durable, comfortable, and fit the function of the room.
You’ll need durable, easy-clean fabrics in your kitchen and living room, and rich, comfortable fabrics in the office, for example.
Your home should be beautiful, but it also should be comfortable and practical. That’s why I combine practical home DIY with artistic touches, and all in projects that you can do in just a few days (or one!).
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Anae has been decorating homes for over 30 years. She incorporates simple, affordable DIY projects into her decor.
Anae has worked in home staging and interior decorating. But now that she's retired, she's returned to her biggest passion in the home decor space: simple, affordable home DIY projects.